The Closing Process

Contract to Closing | Prorations | Why Title Insurance | Title Commitment | Buyer's Closing Cost | Seller's Closing Cost

A Brief Outline of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement (Click Here to Print PDF)

Let’s take a look at the ever-popular HUD-1 Settlement Statement that RESPA officially endorses for all transactions: new loans, assumptions, all-cash, owner finance, etc. The 2-page, legal sized document is sure to confuse each and every buyer and seller (as well as a few other folks, too.)

The first page summarizes the entire financial transaction. The left half of the page is devoted to the buyer. The top portion covers the charges the buyer is facing. The sales price of the subject property is first, followed by closing costs and pro-rata taxes (if the closing takes place during the 4th quarter). The bottom portion covers buyer credits: earnest money, new loan amounts and any taxes.

The right side of the first page is devoted to the seller and is a reversal of the buyer's side. The top covers credits: the sales price and any pro-rata tax credit. The bottom portion covers charges: closing costs, mortgage payoffs, pro-rata taxes, repairs, etc.

Page two is simply a detailed breakdown of all buyer and seller costs, summarized on page one. The buyer's information is in the left column, the seller's in the right.

The HUD-1 is usually the first document discussed during a real estate closing. Sit back and let your friendly closer take over!

 

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